| Glass and Resonance | | | | to rapidly, capture images of the surface |
| | | | beneath the mouse. This information is |
| We have all heard stories of how opera | | | | analyzed by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), |
| singers can shatter glass upon hitting a | | | | which is used to detect imperfections in the |
| particular note. However, how plausible is | | | | underlying surface, and determine motion. |
| this notion? In order to shatter glass, a | | | | Some materials, such as glass, mirrors or |
| singer's voice has to be able to match the | | | | other very shiny, uniform surfaces interfere |
| frequency of the glass. (Every object has a | | | | with the ability of the DSP to analyze the |
| resonant frequency, which is the natural | | | | surface beneath the mouse. Since glass is |
| frequency at which an object vibrates.) If | | | | transparent and uniform, the mouse is unable |
| you blow on the edge of a glass, you will | | | | to pick up enough imperfections in the |
| hear a resonant hum, and if you keep blowing, | | | | underlying surface to determine motion. |
| you can even create a tune - this sound is | | | | |
| the unique resonant frequency of the glass. | | | | Mirrored surfaces are also a problem, since |
| | | | they constantly reflect back the same image, |
| The singer would have to sing very loudly: | | | | causing the DSP not to recognize motion |
| precisely producing a note of about 135 | | | | properly. When the system is unable to see |
| decibles, which is more sonic boom than | | | | surface changes associated with movement, the |
| pertaining to anything musical. The human | | | | mouse will not work properly. |
| threshold for pain is about 120 decibels. The | | | | |
| note would have to be maintained for the | | | | Glass and Household |
| duration of at least two to three seconds for | | | | |
| the right vibration to build up, so the glass | | | | Cleaning glass is the big 'bug bear' of most |
| could shatter. In the late 70s, laboratory | | | | homeowners! The endless build up of soap scum |
| experiments with a professional soprano and a | | | | lurking on your tiles and soap racks, and the |
| trumpet player showed that neither could | | | | soapy film on shower doors is like the |
| shatter glass. The only singer who has | | | | invasion of Alien 5! Here are a few handy |
| apparently succeeded is the famed tenor, | | | | hints on how to keep the alien out of your |
| Enrico Caruso, but the validity of this claim | | | | home. |
| is a matter of conjecture. | | | | |
| | | | Some say that the best way to get the film |
| Glass and Wine | | | | off glass doors is to use a no-wax floor |
| | | | cleaner. All you do is wipe it on and make |
| Why do wine glasses have such long stems? | | | | sure you clean it off very well. Vinegar is a |
| Wine enthusiasts proclaim that it is | | | | close second - you can also add vinegar to |
| essential in order to prevent the heat of | | | | your dishwasher or sink, which will get rid |
| one's hand on the glass from warming the | | | | of any soap residue and give your dishes an |
| wine. Any drink that is chilled should be in | | | | extra sparkle. |
| a glass with a stem. Equally important is the | | | | |
| aesthetics of a fine stem, which enhances the | | | | Ammonia can also clean glass. You can also |
| pleasure of the experience. | | | | make your own ammonia solution by combining |
| | | | ammonia and water. Use a spray bottle and |
| By contrast, fine scotch or cognac is drunk | | | | spray directly onto the surface. Use a sponge |
| from a snifter glass, which has a short stem. | | | | or stiff-bristled brush to scrub affected |
| The stem in the snifter should be wedged | | | | areas. Wipe clean, and rinse well. Newspaper |
| between one's middle and ring finger, with | | | | has enough friction to clean the gunk off and |
| the palm and fingers wrapped around the bowl | | | | is smooth enough to act as a cleaning |
| of the glass, to gently warm the whisky | | | | cloth.Let soap scum buildup on glass be a |
| brandy and allow the aromas to come to the | | | | thing of the past. Pilkington Glass has |
| fore. | | | | brought out a self-cleaning glass, guaranteed |
| | | | to rock the world of any homeowner. This |
| Glass and Computers | | | | innovative product, conceived by the |
| | | | world-leaders in glass making, meets all the |
| Anyone who uses a computer knows that an | | | | relevant international standards, and is able |
| optical mouse does not work on a glass table! | | | | to perform in extreme conditions. |
| Because optical mice use an LED and a camera | | | | |